Discover Our Cultural Tapestry: Top 10 Museums in Denver

Explore the best art places for culture lovers at these very local museums

Oh, we love this Denver's culture. And museums can show you the whole world in a day. Whether you're looking for a temperature-controlled space to escape the weather or on a fashionable outing with your artsy grandma, there's nothing

Denver, the bustling capital of Colorado, invites you to explore its cultural landscape through a variety of one-of-a-kind museums. From cutting-edge contemporary installations to historical relics, the top 10 museums in Denver promise a journey through art, history, and the human experience.

So, whether you're a history buff, an art lover, or just someone who enjoys the immersive vibes of a museum, this list has something for you. Remember, many of these museums can be accessed on CityPass. Get the most bang for your buck by grabbing your CityPass here. Or, book a Denver History & Highlights tour to get all the insider info.

Address: 100 W 14th Ave Pkwy, Denver, CO 80204

Vibes: Contemporary, Classic

The Denver Art Museum (DAM) is a beacon of creativity in the heart of Denver. Housing over 70,000 works of art, DAM is internationally renowned for the museum's collection of American Indian art and its modern and contemporary pieces. Don’t miss the extension to the DAM, the Frederic C. Hamilton Building, designed by renowned architect Daniel Libeskind, which is as much a piece of art as the collections it holds.

A mix of tradition and avant-garde, the Denver Art Museum and the Hamilton Building extension are architectural masterpieces and a creative hub. Here, the museum's permanent collection ranges from a vast assemblage of Native American works to the legendary Western American art galleries.

Want some help understanding the art? Try a Denver Art Tour.

Address: 2121 Children's Museum Dr, Denver, CO 80211

Vibes: Boisterous, Fun, Educational

The Children's Museum of Denver is a must-visit for family programs. Designed to inspire learning through play, this interactive and family-friendly museum offers activities for children eight and under.

Little learners can explore a mini city, splash in an outdoor water area, and even dig up dinosaur bones. The family-friendly museum also offers special events and family programs to enjoy.

Address: 1485 Delgany St, Denver, CO 80202

Vibes: Edgy, Thought-Provoking, Intimate

The Museum of Contemporary Art Denver is not just a space for art – it's a community center for intellectual dialogue and creative experimentation. With a focus on challenging the norm, the MCA Denver features a rotating selection of contemporary works and educational programs for all ages. Don't miss the rooftop café for one of the best views of the city.

Address: 861 Santa Fe Dr, Denver, CO 80204

Vibes: Lively, Insightful, Diverse

Nestled in the Arts District on Santa Fe, Museo de las Americas is home to a stunning Indigenous arts and Latin American art collection. This cultural museum showcases traditional and contemporary art from the Americas, offering a unique perspective of the continent's history and culture. The rotating exhibits, collections, and events delve deep into the Latino experience, making for an enriching and immersive visit.

Address: 1340 Pennsylvania St, Denver, CO 80203\

Vibes: Nostalgic, Resilient, Historical

You may have heard of her as Kathy Bate's character from the Titanic, but at the Molly Brown House Museum, you will discover the real Margaret "Molly" Brown. The historic house takes you back to the turn of the 20th century, offering insights into her life and the progressive causes she championed.

It’s a place where the walls whisper the tales of a woman determined to change her world. Open year-round, guided tours are available to learn about her life, philanthropy, and activism.

Address: 1250 Bannock St, Denver, CO 80204\

Vibes: Pensive, Artistic, Meditative

This Clyfford Still Museum, located next to the Denver Art Museum, showcases the work of Clyfford Still, who was one of the most important figures in the early generation of Abstract Expressionists. The minimalist gallery spaces create an intimate setting for Still's large-scale paintings and help visitors focus on the intensity of his work.

Address: 7711 E Academy Blvd, Denver, CO 80230\

Vibes: Adventurous, Educational, Nostalgic

From World War II bombers to a futuristic spacecraft, Wings Over the Rockies offers an extensive look at the history of aviation and space travel. This museum, housed in a former Air Force hangar, is a dream come true for aviation lovers.

With over 50 aircraft and aerospace vehicles on display, including military aircrafts and vintage planes, it's a journey through the skies and the cosmos. Interactive exhibits and various educational programs make the museum a hit for all ages.

Address: 1338 1st St, Denver, CO 80204

Vibes: Surreal, Interactive, Futuristic

Meow Wolf is an art collective that creates immersive multimedia experiences that transport audiences into fantastic realms. Originating in Santa Fe, Meow Wolf's first permanent exhibition, "The House of Eternal Return," took the art world by storm. With a new Denver location, you can expect a mind-bending, interactive experience that redefines the very concept of a museum.

Address: 1200 Broadway, Denver, CO 80203

Vibes: Engaging, Interpretive, Inclusive

The History Colorado Center offers a multitude of hands-on exhibits and programs that make the state's history both enjoyable and accessible. For a comprehensive look at the history of Colorado, this museum provides a dynamic and experiential journey.

Interactive exhibits allow visitors to pan for gold, imagine life in a World War II-era home, and journey through a time machine. The History Colorado Center brings the past into the present with engaging storytelling and state-of-the-art technology.

Address: 1727 Tremont Pl, Denver, CO 80202

Vibes: Western, Artistic, Educational

Located in the heart of the Mile-High City, the American Museum of Western Art is a hidden gem that showcases one of the most celebrated collections of Western art in the country. The museum is housed in a historic building that dates back to 1893 and features work by renowned artists such as Frederic Remington, Charles M. Russell, and Albert Bierstadt.

The American Museum of Western Art offers guided tours that provide insight into the history and cultural significance of each piece. It also hosts special events and lectures throughout the year, making it a destination for art lovers and history buffs alike.

Denver's museums not only reflect the city's diverse cultural roots but also its spirit of innovation and adventure. Whether you're a local resident looking to delve deeper into your city's heritage, a traveler seeking an enriched experience, or an art enthusiast on the hunt for the next big thing, Denver's museums offer something unique for everyone.

With each museum telling a different part of the city’s ever-evolving story, your cultural odyssey in Denver is bound to be a memorable one. Remember to check each museum's website for any changes in operating hours or special events, and prepare to be wowed by the treasure trove of cultural delights in the Mile-High City.